Paris, April 13 : French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday denied that he has struck a political agreement with former president Nicolas Sarkozy in exchange for his endorsement ahead of the second round of voting in the presidential elections. “There was no agreement,” Macron was quoted as saying by France 2 television on Wednesday. The second round of voting in presidential elections are scheduled to be held on April 24. President Macron is facing a stiff challenge from far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. There were speculations in the French press that Macron obtained Sarkozy’s endorsement by offering political favours in return. Macron needs to secure a new majority in legislative elections in June following the presidential vote. Former President Sarkozy’s endorsement is expected to help Macron attract voters who backed conservative candidate Valérie Pécresse from Sarkozy’s own Les Républicains party in the first round. Though this may also deter left-leaning voters who will may see Macron as right wing due to Sarkozy’s endorsement. Nicolas Sarkozy had on Tuesday endorsed Emmanuel Macron in his reelection bid, touting the latter’s experience, especially in the face of the “grave international crisis” in Ukraine. RKM GK